Starlight and Victory Star are both overnight cruises sold by Ava Travel, a Hanoi travel agency, both on Halong Bay. Below is everything that differs between them, taken from the same booking pages you would book on: price in each season, cabins, ship size and the timed day 1 programme.
Ava Travel prices per person, two adults sharing a cabin, taken from Ava Travel’s live booking pages on 15 October 2026.
from $145 per person, Oct to Apr, $132 May to Sep
See Starlight prices and dates
from $136 per person, Oct to Apr, $130 May to Sep
See Victory Star prices and datesThe short answer
- Price: close to the same in peak season, October to April: $145 on Starlight, $136 on Victory Star.
- From May to September the cheapest cabins are $132 on Starlight and $130 on Victory Star.
- Route: both sail Halong Bay.
- Ship size: Victory Star is the smaller ship with 21 cabins; Starlight has 32.
- 3 days 2 nights: both offer it, from $272 on Starlight and $270 on Victory Star per person.
Side by side
| Starlight | Victory Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Bay | Halong Bay | Halong Bay |
| Star rating | 5-Star Luxury | 4-Star Premium |
| Departs from | Halong International Port | Hanoi |
| Cabins on board | 32 | 21 |
| Cabin types | 3 | 3 |
| Cabin sizes | None to None sqm | 22 to 34 sqm |
| Every cabin has a balcony | Not all | Yes |
| Cabins for 3 or more | None | None |
| 2 days 1 night, Oct to Apr | from $145 | from $136 |
| 2 days 1 night, May to Sep | from $132 | from $130 |
| 3 days 2 nights | from $272 | from $270 |
| Day 1 route | Halong International Port – Sung Sot Cave – Titop Island | Hanoi → Marina → Halong Bay (Lunch & Dinner Included) |
| Day 2 route | Luon Cave – Halong International Port | Halong Bay → Cave Visit → Hanoi (Breakfast & Brunch Included) |
Which one should you book?
- You prefer fewer guests on board: Victory Star.
If none of these tips it either way, book on dates: pick your day and compare both on the cabin table. We answer on WhatsApp within an hour.
Cabins and prices
Starlight cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | – | 2 | $132 | $145 |
| Executive Cabin | – | 2 | $140 | $150 |
| Suite Cabin | – | 2 | $145 | $160 |
Victory Star cabins
| Cabin | Size | Guests | May to Sep | Oct to Apr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Ocean View Balcony | 22 sqm | 2 | $130 | $136 |
| Suite Ocean View Balcony | 28 sqm | 2 | $157 | $161 |
| President Suite | 34 sqm | 2 | $185 | $196 |
Day 1 on board
Starlight, day 1
- 08:00 – 08:30Pick-up in Hanoi if you add the transfer, to Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay.
- 12:00 – 12:30Board. Welcome drink, safety briefing and cabin check-in.
- 13:15Lunch as the ship cruises to the Titop Island area.
- 15:00 – 16:00Guided visit to Sung Sot Cave.
- 16:00 – 17:00Titop Island. Climb to the viewpoint, then swim from the beach.
- 17:20Back on board for sunset and happy hour at the bar.
- 18:00Cooking demonstration with the chef, or mini-golf on the top deck.
- 19:00 – 21:00Dinner.
- 21:00 – 22:00Squid fishing, karaoke, or a quiet evening in your cabin.
Victory Star, day 1
- 12:15Board the cruise. Welcome drink, cold towel and safety briefing.
- 13:00Lunch served as the ship sails into Halong Bay.
- 14:45Kayaking at Luon Cave.
- 16:00Swimming stop at Titop Island.
- 17:00 – 18:30Cooking demonstration on the sundeck.
- 19:15Dinner in the restaurant.
- 21:00Free evening on board: squid fishing, films or a drink at the bar.
Questions
Which is cheaper, Starlight or Victory Star?
Victory Star. In peak season, October to April, it starts at $136 per person against $145 for Starlight. From May to September the cheapest cabins are $132 on Starlight and $130 on Victory Star. Prices are per person with two sharing a cabin.
Do Starlight and Victory Star sail the same bay?
Yes, both sail Halong Bay.
Can I book Starlight or Victory Star for 3 days 2 nights?
Yes, both. Starlight from $272 and Victory Star from $270 per person.
Which is better for families, Starlight or Victory Star?
Neither ship has cabins for more than two guests, so a family of three or four needs two cabins.
Compare more: all cruises with prices · 2 day cruises. Star ratings are the class each operator sells the ship as. Payment is taken online at checkout; we confirm the cabin and hotel pickup within one hour.
